The diocesan and religious clergy of Cebu gathered once more at Pope John XXIII Seminary for their monthly recollection, turning their time of prayer and reflection toward a shared responsibility: caring for our common home.
The day began with a Holy Hour led by Rev. Rey Anthony Baluran, followed by inputs from Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy, the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Environmental Concerns, and the technical team behind the Laudate Deum Pocket Forest initiative.
In his reflection, Archbishop Abet spoke of the present situation of our common home and the urgent cry of creation. He encouraged the clergy not only to preach about care for creation, but also to put their preaching into practice and to help spark a movement of ecological conversion across Cebu.
“Years from now, when these little forests have grown, nobody will remember the meetings we held about them. Nobody will remember our PowerPoint presentations. Nobody will remember who proposed the project. But there will be trees. There will be shade. There will be birds. There will be life. And perhaps, our children and grandchildren will look at those forests and say, ‘Maayo gani, adunay mga tawo kaniadto nga naghunahuna para namo’,” said Archbishop Abet.
The day ended with a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the good Archbishop.
As the Church in Cebu continues its journey toward ecological conversion, may our prayers take root in action, and may the seeds we plant today become a gift of life and hope for those who will come after us.